Senator Joey Hensley has announced the successful conclusion of the 114th General Assembly, which has officially adjourned for the year 2025. Throughout this session, officials have made significant strides toward enhancing the quality of life in Tennessee, focusing on creating a better environment for work, living, and family life. In the coming weeks, Senator Hensley plans to meticulously review the various statutes that were enacted during this session.
One notable piece of legislation that passed this week is Senate Bill 670. This bill aims to relax some of the stringent regulations governing Tennessee’s wetlands, thereby facilitating responsible development while still maintaining essential environmental safeguards. The goal is to provide landowners with a more logical framework for making decisions regarding the use and development of their properties. It is important to note that this legislation does not eliminate regulations; rather, it seeks to modernize them.
In addition to environmental reforms, the Senate also advanced legislation aimed at addressing Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure needs. This week, Senate Bill 144 successfully cleared the Senate, marking a significant move toward addressing the state’s substantial $30 billion backlog in road and bridge repairs. This bill proposes the transfer of all sales tax revenue generated from the sale of new and used tires—estimated to be between $80 and $95 million annually—from the state’s General Fund to the Highway Fund of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This initiative is expected to provide a long-term revenue stream that will directly benefit crucial road maintenance and construction efforts across the state.
Furthermore, the Senate took decisive action on Senate Bill 685, which significantly escalates the penalties associated with illicit photography, particularly in cases involving minors or individuals in vulnerable situations. Under the current law, it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally photograph someone without their consent in a manner that is deemed insulting or embarrassing, especially for sexual gratification. The new legislation elevates this offense to a Class E felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to six years and fines reaching up to $3,000. If the unauthorized image is disseminated or if the victim is under 13 years old, the crime is classified as a Class D felony, which can result in up to 12 years of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. The bill also prohibits the use of minors under 13 to commit such offenses. Additionally, situations where the victim is under 13 are reclassified as a Class C felony, which can lead to a prison term of three to 15 years and fines up to $10,000, particularly if the perpetrator